Unit 7: Success and failure Flashcards
makes all the difference (to something)
Meaning: Has a big positive effect on something.
Example: A good night’s sleep makes all the difference to my mood.
works/goes/runs like a dream
Meaning: Works perfectly and smoothly.
Example: My new phone runs like a dream – super fast and no bugs.
works like magic
Meaning: Is very effective, especially in a surprising or impressive way.
Example: This stain remover works like magic – the carpet looks brand new!
goes from strength to strength
Meaning: Keeps becoming more and more successful.
Example: Since launching online, her business has gone from strength to strength.
does the trick
Meaning: Solves the problem or achieves the result you want.
Example: A bit of lemon juice does the trick to remove the smell.
is not the be-all and end-all (of something)
Meaning: Is not the most important thing in life.
Example: Money is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of happiness.
is/turns out to be a blessing in disguise
Meaning: Seems bad at first but later turns out to be good.
Example: Losing that job turned out to be a blessing in disguise – I found a better one.
someone/something is a victim of their/its own success
Meaning: Success causes unexpected problems.
Example: The app became so popular that the servers crashed – it was a victim of its own success.
someone doesn’t have the ghost of a chance (of doing something)
Meaning: Has no chance at all.
Example: He doesn’t have the ghost of a chance of winning that case.
someone/something gives up the ghost
Meaning: Dies or stops working completely.
Example: My old laptop finally gave up the ghost after 7 years
someone/something leaves their/its mark (on someone/something)
Meaning: Has a lasting effect or influence.
Example: That teacher really left her mark on me – I still think of her advice.
would go places
Meaning: Is likely to be very successful in the future.
Example: She’s so talented and driven – she’s definitely going places.
hit the big time
Meaning: Become very successful or famous.
Example: He hit the big time with his first Hollywood movie.
made a go of (something)
Meaning: Tried something and succeeded.
Example: They made a go of their new restaurant – it’s now one of the best in town
